Center Myles Turner scored 24 points and got 6 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers (16-14) beat the Chicago Bulls (14-19) at the United Center 120-104.
The Chicago Bulls come into this game after highly contested, close win against the Hawks 118-113. With multiple players like shooting forward DeMar DeRozan and center Andre Drummond putting on quality performances. The Pacers enter this matchup after an also close win to the Houston Rockets 123-117.
The Bulls were victorious last time out when these teams faced each other. In that game the Bulls beat the Pacers 112-105. This time the Pacers walked off the court with a win.
Indiana Pacers win! The Bulls started the First Half horribly again
The Bulls once again started the first half in horrible fashion finishing the first quarter 37-31. The Pacers were without a doubt the most offensive team when the first quarter concluded with four players racking up more than 5 points. Point forward Jalen Smith had 7 points and 3 rebounds and center Myles Turner had 7 points and 1 rebound. Shooting guard Buddy Hield had 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and point guard Tyrese Haliburton racked up 6 points and 6 assists. The Bulls were led in the first quarter by point forward Patrick Williams who had 9 points and 2 assist. While shooting forward DeRozan had 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and shooting guard Alex Caruso racked up 6 points, 1 rebounds, and 1 assists. The Pacers showed their dominance with some really long shots. Hield’s 25-foot three point jumper and Haliburton 31-foot three point jumper to end the quarter showed they meant business. The second quarter then further conveyed Pacers dominance with a 26-21. Halftime score was 63-52.
Indiana Pacers Win! The Bulls gave it all they could but the Pacers took the second half and the game
The second half wasn’t any different than the first two quarters given that the Bulls tried and tried but they were always short. The third quarter ended with the Pacers once again in the lead with a score of 85-77. Center Turner for the Pacers was once again the main man for the team as he racked up an additional 8 points and 1 rebound to his tally. The Bulls huffed and puffed trying to do everything they could offensively. Shooting forward DeRozan put up 9 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in the third quarter. The fourth quarter then confirmed the Bulls defeat as the quarter ended 35-27, with the game ending 120-104.
What’s Next?
The Bulls will look to bounce back from this tough loss as they play their final game at home before the New Year against the Philadelphia 76ers. That game is on Saturday, 30th at 7 pm central.
The Pacers will look to continue their solid run as they also play their final game before the New Year. The Pacers will be at home against the New York Knicks also on Saturday, December 30th at 6:00 pm central.
